How Big Brands Are Shifting To Sustainable Packaging For A Better Tomorrow

Author: NaturTrust Time: 23-05-2021 11:00:19

Businesses For Sustainability
“ Plastic packaging has been a major source of environmental pollution and corporate giants are waking up to the possibility of adopting an alternate approach “

Over the last few years a shift in businesses’ attitudes towards environmental responsibility has been observed. It could be said that the shift has been a positive one given that the wellbeing of future generations depends heavily on how business and individuals act to preserve the earth’s resources and natural environment which are currently under immense strain.

The Environmental Awakening

This has been a result of extensive consumerism and mindless usage of materials that erode and pollute our ecosystem. Plastic packaging has been a major source of environmental pollution and corporate giants are waking up to the possibility of adopting an alternate approach towards packaging which entails sustainable substitutes.

Getting Sustainable Packaging Right…
“ Most businesses gravitate towards is use of biodegradable plastic, which is made using eco-friendly”

While sustainability is a broad term, to be classified as sustainable packaging, it must meet criterions of biodegradability and decomposition time. The most common and cost effective practice most businesses gravitate towards is use of biodegradable plastic, which is made using eco-friendly raw material that decomposes completely and does not end up in landfills like regular plastic. Another approach that is popular among businesses involves upcycling and recycling whereby single use plastic is completely eliminated from practice and other natural materials like wood or paper are used instead to curate packaging.

World’s most valuable businesses are going sustainable
“Tech giants, corporations have taken on the much needed responsibility of reducing their carbon footprint “

From fashion and food brands to FMCG and tech giants, corporations have taken on the much needed responsibility of reducing their carbon footprint and have stepped up their packaging game by opting for more sustainable alternatives. Recently, Amazon collaborated with Tide to introduce sustainable packaging that led to 60% less usage in plastic for the brand. LEGO is another example of brands shifting towards sustainability as they have been using recyclable paper and cardboard for their packaging.

Fast Fashion and Fast Food join the green movement…

Fashion brand Calvin Klien has also joined the cause by using upto 70% eco friendly packaging and they are aiming to become a zero waste company by 2030.Other fashion brands to follow suit are ASOS and MUDJeans. Kentucky Fried Chicken and Frito Lay are also among the food brands that are on a journey to become completely waste free, which entails initiatives like using paper based packaging and cutlery at their ( KFC) outlet and reusing plastic based packaging (Frito Lay).

Small actions make big waves
“It is no secret that younger consumers are looking to invest in brands that are conscious in making ethical decisions”

While it may seem like a daunting task to reconsider old practices and strategize to make room for sustainable packaging, it pays in the long run to opt out of operations that contribute to more environmental damage in the short term. This is the reason that most organisations choose to eliminate plastic altogether and choose to opt for compostable packaging that is not only environmentally sound but also healthier for the end consumer.

By choosing sustainable packaging, brands are effectively minimizing their carbon footprint and conserving scarce natural resources as a result.

Sustainable practices in a business also bear fruit in other ways such as boosting goodwill among customers and stakeholders, thus increasing the value of a brand. It is no secret that younger consumers are looking to invest in brands that are conscious in making ethical decisions which entails sustainable practices and transparency.

Setting An Example In The Industry
“In a sea of brands that look to cut corners to make larger profits, it is the environmentally conscious brands that are catching the shoppers’ eyes.”

The modern consumer is well informed about the challenges faced by our planet. More than the average individual, it is the corporations and business giants of the world that have long been responsible for depletion and erosion of the environment. In a sea of brands that look to cut corners to make larger profits, it is the environmentally conscious brands that are catching the shoppers’ eyes, gaining their trust and rightly so.

Just like industrial pollution has repercussions for all of society, a shift by businesses towards sustainable practices also has its merits for the society as a collective.

Sustainability pays in the long run
Practices like elimination of single use packaging will help in keeping our oceans free of micro plastics which will further lead to preservation of sea life. Sustainable packaging is also better for human life as it minimises the chances of toxins entering the body which can otherwise be released in food and water from plastic.

It is crucial to corporates to take a step back and analyse how their business operation, especially when it comes to product and packaging can negatively affect the environment and on the other hand the good it can do to mankind by switching to eco friendly and sustainable packaging.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *